Best Solution for Lowering Vehicle Temperatures When Towing  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The added stress from trailer towing usually shows up as an increased transmission temperature. I am not sure if the gauge you're referring to is displaying engine coolant temperature or if you have one that shows transmission temperature.

We do offer Derale Class III transmission cooler # D12903 for your 5.3L Yukon XL which measures a generous 15-1/4 x 7-1/2. This can be mounted in front of your AC condenser to provide supplemental transmission cooling after the OEM cooler in the radiator does the initial cooling. If you have a 5/8 hex on your transmission line you'll also need adapter kit # D13018.

Any vehicle that tows will need shorter service intervals for its fluids, both coolant and transmission fluid. Your owner's manual may have recommendations. If your coolant has not been changed in the last 2 years you might consider this step; you can then see if new coolant helps reduce the temperature rise when you tow. The same applies to the transmission and the addition of a transmission cooler will make a big difference for towing-related heat. If you install a supplemental trans cooler and also have your transmission fluid changed you should see a worthwhile and noticeable drop in transmission temperature.

Another option is to install a combination transmission and engine oil cooler that cools both fluids, such as the Derale # D13302 which measures 16-13/16 x 12-5/8 x 3/4-inches. If you can fit this in front of your AC condenser you can cool both oil and transmission fluid in one unit and take a lot of stress off the vehicle.

Add-on electric fans help in terms of increasing air flow when towing at low speeds on uphill grades but additional coolers will really drop the temps better.

expert reply by: Adam R

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